Illinois DSD CDTS 57 Driving Instructor Physical Form – If you plan to become a licensed driving instructor at a commercial driver training school in Illinois, one essential document is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 57 — Driving Instructor Physical Form. This official medical examination report confirms that applicants meet the physical standards needed to safely operate a motor vehicle and train others. The form is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial Driver Training School Section and is a mandatory part of the instructor licensing process under state law.
This guide covers everything U.S. applicants need to know about Form DSD CDTS 57, including its purpose, who must complete it, what the exam includes, how to submit it, and where to download the official PDF.
What Is Illinois Form DSD CDTS 57?
Form DSD CDTS 57 is the official Driving Instructor Physical Form used by the Illinois Secretary of State. It documents a physical examination performed by a competent medical examiner to determine whether an applicant is physically qualified to train individuals in the operation of a motor vehicle.
The form is required under 625 ILCS 5/6-411(d) of the Illinois Vehicle Code and the administrative rules in 92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1060. These rules state that the Secretary of State will not issue a driver training instructor’s license to anyone who is physically unable to safely operate a motor vehicle or train others, as determined by a competent medical examiner.
The completed form must accompany the Application for Driver Training Instructor (DSD CDTS 58).
Who Needs to Complete Form DSD CDTS 57?
Any person applying for a new or renewed commercial driver training instructor license in Illinois must submit Form DSD CDTS 57. This includes instructors who provide behind-the-wheel training at licensed commercial driver training schools that offer:
- Teen driver education
- Adult driver education for ages 18–20
- CDL preparation courses
- Other fee-based driving instruction
Classroom-only instructors may follow slightly different provisions under the administrative rules, but most applicants teaching vehicle operation need the full physical form. Applicants must also meet other qualifications, such as being at least 21 years old, holding a valid Illinois driver’s license, demonstrating good moral character, submitting fingerprints, and passing written and highway safety sign tests.
What Does the Driving Instructor Physical Examination Cover?
The competent medical examiner evaluates several key areas of health and physical ability. According to the official form and administrative rules, the examination includes:
- Medical history related to epilepsy, heart disease, or fainting spells
- Heart examination (blood pressure and pulse rate)
- Respiratory system assessment
- Reflexes
- Genito-urinary system and urine analysis
- Normal use of both arms, hands, legs, feet, and eyes (yes/no answers with remarks if needed)
- Mental alertness (based on observation)
- Hearing evaluation (classified as deaf, poor, fair, or good for one or both ears)
- Visual acuity readings with and without glasses (both eyes, right eye, and left eye recorded as 20/)
The examiner then certifies whether, to the best of their judgment, the applicant is or is not physically qualified to train an individual in the operation of a motor vehicle. The applicant must sign the form in the presence of the medical examiner.
How to Complete and Submit Form DSD CDTS 57?
Follow these steps to properly complete and file the form:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Schedule an examination with a competent medical examiner (as defined under Illinois law).
- Complete the applicant information and medical history sections.
- Have the medical examiner perform the physical exam, record all results, and complete the certification section, including their address, the date, and place of examination.
- Sign the form in the examiner’s presence.
- Mail the completed form (along with the instructor application and other required documents) to:
Office of the Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training School Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Ln.
West Chicago, IL 60185
The Commercial Driver Training Section can be reached at 630-520-9310 for questions. Instructor licenses are issued for two years, and the fee is $70 per instructor. Applications should be submitted at least 15 days before any license expiration date.
Download the Official Illinois Form DSD CDTS 57 PDF
Always use the current official version of the form. You can download Form DSD CDTS 57 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD CDTS 57 — Driving Instructor Physical Form (PDF)
The form is a fillable PDF. For best results, download it to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader before completing it. You can also find it listed under Commercial Driver Training forms on the official publications page at ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/comdrivers.html.
Related Forms and Additional Requirements
Form DSD CDTS 57 is typically submitted together with other documents, including:
- DSD CDTS 58 — Application for Driver Training Instructor
- Fingerprints for the required background check
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Valid Illinois driver’s license
- Any additional school-specific authorizations
Commercial driver training schools themselves must hold the appropriate main, branch, teen, or CDL accreditation licenses and meet insurance, surety bond, and vehicle safety inspection requirements. Full details and the complete list of forms are available on the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial Driver Training Schools page.
Why Physical Fitness Standards Matter for Driving Instructors?
Driving instructors hold a position of public trust. They are responsible for teaching new and inexperienced drivers safe vehicle operation. Illinois requires the physical examination to help ensure instructors can react quickly, maintain control of a vehicle when necessary, communicate clearly, and remain alert during lessons. Meeting these standards protects both students and the general public on Illinois roads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DSD CDTS 57
Is Form DSD CDTS 57 the same as a regular driver’s license medical report?
No. This form is specific to commercial driver training instructor licensing and focuses on the ability to train others, not solely on holding a regular driver’s license.
Who qualifies as a “competent medical examiner”?
Illinois law and administrative rules refer to a competent medical examiner as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Recent rule updates emphasize this designation rather than limiting the form exclusively to physicians licensed in Illinois. Confirm current requirements with the Commercial Driver Training Section if needed.
How often must the physical form be submitted?
It is required with the initial application and is typically needed when renewing the two-year instructor license. Always check current instructions with the Secretary of State’s office.
Where can I find more official information?
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website at ilsos.gov or contact the Commercial Driver Training School Section directly at 630-520-9310.
Final Tips for a Smooth Application
Download the latest version of Form DSD CDTS 57 from the official Illinois Secretary of State site, complete every section accurately, and ensure the medical examiner provides a clear certification. Submit the form together with the instructor application well before any deadline. Keeping all documents organized and using only official sources helps avoid delays in obtaining or renewing your Illinois driving instructor license.
By following these steps and meeting the physical qualification standards outlined on Form DSD CDTS 57, you can move forward with confidence toward becoming a licensed commercial driving instructor in Illinois.